Stanford punter Jake Bailey shows his worth in season opener

By Tom FitzGerald Updated 9:38 pm PDT, Friday, August 31, 2018 Jake Bailey is expected to be one of the nation’s best punters this season. The Stanford senior showed why in the second quarter of the season opener at Stanford Stadium on Friday night. He boomed a 63-yarder that went out of bounds on the San Diego State 1-yard line. The play led to Stanford’s first points of the season, on a safety. Aztecs quarterback Christian Chapman was called for intentional grounding when he tried to shovel a pass out of the end zone as he was tackled by linebacker Bobby Okereke. Bailey was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection last year after averaging a conference-high 45.5 yards per punt, seventh nationally. Additionally he booted 58 of his 83 kickoffs for touchbacks. Quick turnovers: Late in the first half, Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello’s pass was tipped by linebacker Andrew Aleki and intercepted by tackle Noble Hall. But Hall fumbled when he was hit by wide receiver Trent Irwin, who recovered his fumble. Three plays later, Costello hit JJ Arcega-Whiteside for a touchdown. Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke (20) tackles San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Christian Chapman (10) as he throws an incomplete pass Friday. Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke (20) tackles San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Christian Chapman (10) as he throws an incomplete pass Friday. Photo: Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke… [Read full story]